Brandon John Rainey, 29, formerly of James Street in Ballymena, County Antrim, has changed his instructions to admit killing 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell, his barrister told Belfast Crown Court during an emergency hearing on Friday. Rainey was scheduled to stand trial for her murder on March 9, a charge he had previously denied. He also denies a charge of attempting to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a body on June 3, 2023.

Senior defence counsel Neil Connor KC stated that following a consultation with Rainey on Thursday, the defence now accepts that Rainey killed Ms Mitchell but advances a medical defence of diminished responsibility based on his state of mind at the time. The defence seeks an updated psychiatric report from Dr Issac, who previously examined Rainey and can meet him on March 9, with a report due by March 13.

Mr Connor requested vacation of the March 9 trial date, as Rainey has a consultation that day, and proposed re-arraignment later in the week where Rainey would plead not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility. The prosecution, represented by David Russell KC, adopted a cautious approach, noting a previous similar situation in April 2025 that delayed a trial.

Mr Russell indicated the Crown requires updated reports from both Dr Issac and their psychiatrist Dr Brennan, who is unavailable until the week of March 23. A potential new trial date was suggested as April 13. The judge vacated the March 9 trial and ordered Rainey's re-arraignment on March 12, describing the development as welcome.

Chloe Mitchell went missing from Ballymena in early June 2023, prompting extensive searches. Her remains were found about a week later, leading to a murder inquiry and Rainey's arrest at a flat in the James Street area.